Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Nikon Coolmax 3200 or Canon S1IS

Aug 29, 2004 12:07PM PDT

I had a Kokak which hasn't worked well since I bought it 2 years ago and it stopped working right yesterday after upgrading to their latest software. The computer will not see the camera and even though I say don't delete the pics off the camera in transfer it tries to transfer to nothing and loses the images. I wanted one with at least 3Megapixels and wanted movie and sound capability. I use it only for personal use and for a website I did for a non profit. Zoom is nice but only had 3x before so not sure how much I would use it. I bought the Nikon coolpix 3200 but I find the movie is grainy. Also in the daylight the screen is hard to see. I like the size. I read allot about the Canon S1IS and heard it has great movie quality. Is the screen better outside? I want to keep the cost under 500 but would go higher in megapixels but can't find one with movie and sound. Any advice because I will need to exchange the Nikon this week if I choose something else?
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Nikon Coolmax 3200 or Canon S1IS
Aug 29, 2004 1:43PM PDT

For your present Kodak camera, you should purchase a card reader and forget about hooking the camera to the computer. The card reader is much simpler. The computer treats it as another disk. Use Windows Explorer to move the photos from the card to the computer.

You can find inexpensive card readers here:

http://www.compgeeks.com/products.asp?cat=CAM#Flash%20Card%20Readers

The point-and-shoot Nikon 3200 and the Canon S1IS are about as different as night and day. The Canon has manual overrides for all controls and a big zoom with image stabilization.

If you want more control of your camera at times, go for the Canon. If you need more megapixels, take a look at the Konica/Minolta Z3. 4 meg, 12X zoom, image stabilization and does sound movies.

Here is what customers say about the Canon S1IS:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=canon_s1is

Just remember, no digital still camera will take movies as good as you get with a digital camcorder.


...

- Collapse -
Re: Nikon Coolmax 3200 or Canon S1IS
Aug 30, 2004 1:28PM PDT

thanks for your advice. I will look at the other camera you mentioned. For the Kodak it has other issues like it won't hold a charge for more than a couple of pictures. It has been a problem since i got it and have had it in to Kodak twice. I want one that is more reliable.
I know a camcorder would be best for movies but I just want some short stuff for myself. I just wasn't impressed with the Nikon and was told the Canon was better.